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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






1 



THE NEW CHRIST I AI 



BY X^ 

JASPER BIJ-COWDIN 



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BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
J. P.. COWDIN, No. l6 THIRD STREET. 

1884. 



6 14-^1 



COPYKIGHT, 1SS4, 

I5v Jasper B. Cowdin. 
All rights reserved. 



BOOK I. 



ARGUMENT. 

Invocation. — From the scene of the Siivior's crucifixion, Satim 
hurries to liis capital city in the infernal regions, where 
he assembles the Powers of the Deep. After alluding to 
Christ's prophecy in Regard to His resurrection, Satan 
secures himself from all blame in case of defeat, by repeat- 
ing his objections to the crime, and the opinion he had 
formed of the Savior's design ; he then proposes to disguise 
himself as an angel of light, and ascend the heights of 
Heaven : if possible, to learn more of Christ and his move- 
ments. His associates approve; whereupon, assuming a 
more radiant aspect, he starts on his flight to Mount Sion. 



BOOK I. 

/^TERNAL Spirit ! whose mysterious hand 

^-^ Fashioned a world, and from the opening gloom 

Led forth immortal Man 1 — who, when he lost 

Thy image, lost not Thy redeeming grace — 

While from ten thousand times ten thousand tongues 

And harps angelic on the sea of glass, 

Earth's continents and farthest isles remote, 

The song of praise rolls up before Thy throne, 

How can my harp lie silent and refrain 

From eagerness to join the sweUing hymn ? 

Come, then, bright Muse ! whose holy feet have kit 
Footprints in Paradise ! and with thy flowers 
Of fancy, plucked from those delightful banks, 
A garland weave for Truth — fair Truth alone 
Sole object of the strain, and sacred kept. 
Unclouded by the veil of poesy. 

Now had the sun behind Judea's hills 
Departed, and the Angel of the Night 



BOOK I. 

Stretched forth her wing, inviting to repose, 
When from his blood-stained cross the Son of God, 
Helpless in death, was borne by willing arms 
And tenderly laid within the silent gr-ave. 

Three worlds had witnessed on Mount Calvary 
The Beam from Heaven put out, our only Light ! 
Whose glory thus dimmed, the sun refused to shine : 
The countless twinkling multitudes of Heaven 
Swept down in clouds to view the tragic scene; 
While quite as numberless, the hosts of Hell, 
Called forth by Satan, swarmed around the Mount 
To watch his sufferings (him they dared not mock, 
Aware of his divinity, lest wrath 
Terrific burst) ; and last, through ignorance bold, 
Mankind, a few except, reviled his death. 

But all was over now : and the pale stars 
Looked down with kindly love on sinful man, 
Just as they did on that serenest night 
When God called Abraham forth to number them. 
His covenant had not failed — the Promise came ! 
Unchanging God ! no power could change Thy plans. 

The moment Jesus died, the angel watch 
Retired, with softer lays ; but in their hearts 



BOOK 1. 

Expectant joy already conquered death. 

The noisy brood of demons to their prison 

Departed in confusion, like a band 

Of lawless soldiers bent on sacrilege. 

These to their Hell : the human fiends to their' 

A restless pillow and a guilty dread. 

All except Satan : on the Mount alone 
Stood the dread angel in perplexed thought, 
When all around was still ; and to himself, 
As to a friend, he in deep muse thus spake : 

" Did not the sun his radiance turn aside 
From such a scene, as better in darkness hid ? 
The solid temple in Jerusalem 
•Shook, and the costly veil was rent in twain 
By unseen fingers ; rocks, disparting, yawned 
As by a shock of earthquake, and the graves 
Of many saints were opened. Hence I fear 
The pillars of my kingdom have been shaken 
By more than mortal foe ! What kind of man 
Was this, and is he vanquished e'en in death ? 
Deep in my heart Suspicion builds her nest 
To hatch a myriad brood of anxious fears. 
Yea, now my sharpest cunning must avail 
To pierce this secret, alLelse left undone." 



BOOK I. 

So saying, he prepared for hasty flight 
His spreading wings : rose from the tragic Mount, 
And like a sable whirlwind swept away, 
Bound for the gates of death. Those iron bars 
No more are closed ; but at his dark approach 
Yawn wider, who first oped them to our woe. 
Far down the abysses, horrible and vast, 
Where mildewed rocks dripped poison and the air 
Was foul from pestilential fogs and clouds. 
The darting spirit found his devious way. 
A s'traighter flight impelled him o'er the sands 
Of a broad desert, vacant of all life. 
Too desolate and barren for the foot 
Of even such a spirit. This he crossed : 
And now the waters of the Stygian lake 
Lay dark and motionless before his eye. 
He rested for a moment on the strand, 
Then poised his wings afresh and faster flew 
Across the dead expanse. The opposite shore 
Loomed into view. Thereon a mountain st.jod, 
Upheaving rolls of smoke and lurid flames, 
Whose flickering light, reaching far down the coast, 
Revealed the sombre regions of the dead 
In all their startling horrors. On the mount 
Satan triumphant stood : a kind of pride, 



bOOK 1. \ 

Bom of despair, lighting his spectral face, 

As in the dusky vale beyond he saw 

His capital city, Pandemonium, 

Studded with twinkling jets. The fallen host 

Beheld their chief descend the mountain-side ; 

And with gay pageantry and noisy pomp 

Attended, was the Great Apostate led 

Before his stately palace. With thick clouds 

Encompassed, and though wrapped in sheets of flame, 

Above them all the central dome rose high 

In majesty, as if defying Heaven. 

Ascending to his throne, at once the King 
Of Darkness sped his messengers in haste, 
To summon from all quarters of his kingdom 
The Powers of the Deep ; and they on wings 
As swift and dread as tempest-clouds at sea, 
Gathered at Pandemonium, by the sound 
Of echoing trumpet guided, sign of war. 
These round their champion closed , beside what else 
Of lesser note could gain the council hall : 
Messengers, city-idlers, spirits from the Earth — 
A Babel of words and brush of settling wings. 
Subsiding to a hum — then silence reigned ; 
Which Satan perceiving, he as promptly rose. 
And with heroic gesture thus began : 



BOOK L 19 

" Powers of Hell ! obedient to my call 
Ye from the four winds of the Deep appear 
At solemn synod — where I trust my words 
Will find acceptance. Marvelous things occur 
To urge this haste, and claim our earnest thought ; 
For our great Enemy, who late hath walked 
Judea, and repentance preached to men, 
Is crucified and buried. Yet he said, 
•After three days I rise again.' Ye saw 
How all his other sayings came to pass, 
And know my vote was to prevent his death 
By all means possible, hearing this speech ; 
But ye opposed, and clamored for his end. 
Against my better judgment I inclined 
The heart of Judas to betray his chief, 
Conforming to your wishes : so that blame, 
In case of our defeat, falls not on me. 
Though man, he was — God ; nor do I judge by death 
Him vanquished : but by that mysterious means 
Perchance he works new mischief in our state. 

" Hear, then, what I propose : Myself will climb 
To where Mount Sion overlooks the vale 
Oi Paradise: and there, commanding view 
Of what transpires, and listening what is said, 




e>-^ 



BOOK I. 

May gain some sudden knowledge of much use 
In this our war of cunning, not of might ; 
And, though the hidden purpose of his death 
He may not suffer us to know, our hearts 
Will be exempt from some uncertainty. 
The angels will not pierce my deep disguise ; 
And he that allowed me to escape my cell 
And venture forth to taint his new-made world, 
Will hardly deign to cast me from those heights 

Satan ended, yet the stillness was prolonged : 
The doomed immortals sat lost in dismay 
Before his bold design. As, ere the storm, 
A death-like silence broods o'er nature's face : 
The leaves are still, the air devoid of life, 
Till with a sudden start the earth and sky 
Are shaken by the tempest — so from these, 
Awhile confounded, burst approving shouts. 

And now behold a miracle of power 
Wrought by the Dragon — he to whom is given 
Power and great glory in the Earth and Hell : 
An angel form, with garments white as light, 
Appeared before the throne, his spiry wings 
Poised lightly, and prepared for instant flight. 



BOOK I. 

At once the council, terror-struck, fell back 

Before this dreadful messenger of wrath 

Sent by Almighty God (such their belieQ ; 

But Satan, rising from his throne, called forth 

Beelzebub, and gave his last. commands : 

On him conferred the present cares of state 

(Since none with stronger wisdom could support 

His government, and push the wily Scheme): 

Then without more delay, but prouder steps. 

Approached his bright delusion. Watched by all. 

He gave no sign : but as a drop of water, 

If it but touch a kindred drop, will spring 

To eager union — so the King of Hell, 

Reaching the phantom, by his spirit-powder 

He entered it quick as the lightning's flash ; 

And thence infusing life to all its parts, 

Like a swift dart into the frowning sky 

He sped, and left the host wondering below. 

Instant the swarming multitude of spirits 

Took wing, with thunderous shouts ; but vainlv strove 

To see him well attended on his way. 

For he on sweeping pinions borne aloft, 

Soon disappeared within the closing gloom. 



r(E- 



{^&- 



BOOK II. 



ARGUMENT. 

Satan, throned on Mount Sion, beholds the glory of God and 
the celestial multitude.— The music of Heaven draws from 
him tears ; his various emotions described,— The heavenlv 
Eden.— Israfel is first recognized, amused with his harp.— 
The Prophetic Sanhedrim.— The Army of the Redeemed : 
Satan, for the first time, hears their song; the angels 
marvel and listen.— Elijah's chariot.— Satan discovers, in 
the Orb of God, a vacant throne. — The ascension of Christ: 
the angels celebrate it in a hymn of triumph. 



BOOK 11. 

npHE sun, the moon and stars beneath his feet 

Twinkled like particles of dust that cross 
The pathway of the sunlight ; yet unchecked, 
The bright-robed Angel on his way aloft 
Paused not, but added swiftness to his wings 
And vigor, as his spirit rose with hope : 
Till through the boundless blue his eye discerned 
Far off the Mount of God, whose top was clothed 
In soft white light. Majestic, silent, grand ! 
How awful seemed the Mount, how much like God 
Washing its hallowed feet and murmuring lovv, 
The River of Life, a broad and bright expanse 
Of dancing water, happy as a child, 
Flowed onward to dispense its blessings rare ; 
While from the opposite shore the mystic strain 
Of Heaven's music floated o'er the waves. 

High on that glittering mountain peak the Kin.u 
Of Darkness rested from his daring flight, 
Folded his snow-white wings, and made his seat 
The highest pinnacle : from thence with ease 
Commanding view of utmost Paradise. 



BOOK 11. 

How dared he thus wander on holy soil, 

Presumptuous ? But twice before he came 

(A bold accuser) with the sons of God 

When they appeared before the sovran throne. 

Shame and defeat he suffered ; now once more 

Allowed, with feet unsanctified, to touch 

The sacred Mount, that God might bring before him 

The panorama of bis coming doom. 

At once the great vvhite throne burst on his view 
With overpowering splendor — but his eyes, 
Long used to darkness, could not bear the glorv 
Of him that sat thereon. Yet, blinded thus, 
He saw the bright illimitable host 
Of seraphim go whirling on their way 
Around the throne, bathed in its falling beams : 
And as with fingers light tbey swept their harps. 
The dear, familiar song of long ago. 
Wafted by dreamy winds across the waves, 
Fell on his pensive ear. That far off song 
With such unearthly sweetness filled his soul, 
That, overcome, he slowly bowed his head 
And melted into tears ! From Memory's halls 
Forth came a long procession of sweet thoughts 
And dearest recollections ; but tbeir voices 



BOOK II. 31 

Chanted of days forever gone, no more 

To soothe his soul. But yesterday it seemed 

Since he in radiant majesty sat throned 

Among those jewelled spirits, hovering round 

His high pavilion, crowning him with flowers. 

But yesterday it seemed — and yet how vast 

The widening gulf between I how full of black 

And threatening terrors, horrid consternation. 

Misery, pain, remorse 1 Never till then 

Had he perceived the wretchedness and loss 

Of his estate, how vain his puny wars. 

"A place of rest to lay my fevered head 

How welcome ! (thus he sighed) my soul is driven 

i)y whirlwinds of tempestuous wrath ; and hope, 

Her light extinguished, hath left me forlorn 

To founder in the deep ! If Death, my son, 

Could quench his dart within my surging spirit, 

(Gladly I would exchange, for that great calm. 

The cares of empire and my steadfast hate." 

Again, prone on the holy Mount, he fell 

In anguish deep and shed most bitter drops, 

Forgetful of his mission to search out 

The secrets of the sky — till haughty Pride 

(Foe of tbe Spirit, keeping human hearts 

From worshipping Jehovah) checked his grief. 



'^TS 




BOOK IL 

Now the sweet song inducing him to tears 
Arose to a sublimer strain, till all 
The vast recesses of the imperial arch 
Shook with triumphant music 1 Bolt upright 
The listening Outcast reared, and held his breath 
As the wild inspiration seized his soul ; 
But as the sacred aathem higher rose 
And grander still, a moment he forgot 
His lost condition— spread his mighty wings 
For eager flight, and would have passed the gulf : 
But that almighty Will, ^vhich overrules 
And gives a bound to evil, interfered. 
In feverish impatience, then, he rent 
His gaudy robes : vexation and despair 
Pressed on him with such fierceness, that he sank 
Exhausted from the conflict. 

Now 'twas past. 
And sullen resignation to his fate 
Subdued his soul to calmness. First he fixed 
His thoughts upun the exploit for which he can.e 
'ihus far frum Hell's dark valley-then upraised 
His eyes, observant of the wonders round. 

As the bright orb of day forever shines 
In the pure sky, and pours his radiance down 



BOOK II. 35 

4 

Wide o'er the smiling earth — so the great throne 

Oi God, enshrouded in eternal glorv, 

Forming an orb of light, sheds holy beams 

On all beneath. Blessed are they that feel 

Its constant influence breathing on their souls I 

Gathered in mid-air moves a countless throng 

Of starry seraphim ; while far below 

Lie spread the sweet hills and blooming vales of Heaven. 

There wander happy spirits seeking blest 

Retirement in the mystic groves, and pluck 

Immortal fruit ; or lie on twilight banks 

In quiet meditation, where the stream 

Pours out its dreamy music o'er the rocks. 

What various scenes were witnessed from the M<Mint 
By the improper tenant there enthroned. 
Celestial Muse ! thy memory best can tell. 

Within a bower of overshadowing leaves, 
His sylvan temple, dedicate to song. 
Sat Israfel, who has the sweetest voice 
KM all the angels, liim the King of Hell 
First recognized — with head and eyes upcast: 
His bright companions, pensive in that hour. 
Around him, and attentive to his harp, 
As though well pleased. How oft in happier days 



no Ok' I J. 37 

Had Satan, sitting at his feet, been charmed 
With many a wild romance angelical, 
Or dim i)oetic legend of the skies ! 

Like piled-iip banks of snow-white clouds, at rest 
Above the setting sun, suffused with gold, 
Far off upon the plain arose to view 
A group of thrones, and they that sat thereon 
Prophets of old, whose flaming tongues had once 
Foretold a coming Saviour. Abraham there, 
Presiding in magnificence, shone forth 
Far brighter than the morning star ; his wings. 
Spread wide in silent grandeur, hovered o'er 
The awful synod, whose calm, dreamful eyes 
Were upward gazing with a soft delight 
On his resplendent beams. Like incense rising 
From off an altar, from that sacred throng 
The rolling hymn ascended, blent with strains 
Of low, impressive music, up to God. 
Long time was Satan's gaze intently fixed 
Upon their saintly faces, lit with love : 
The starlight on his forehead once as bright. 
Now gone forever ! Ah, can he forget. 
Though scenes of new beauty draw his eyes away ? 

Far distant, in a valley dim, he saw^ 
Unnumbered armies of celestial spirits, 



BOOK JI. 

Clad in white robes and palms within their hands, 

Watched o'er by Moses with most tender love. 

In meekness at their head he wandered forth, 

And led them, as a shepherd doth his flock, 

Through pastures green and by the shadyside, 

Where springs of joy ineffable o'erHow. 

As the great host advanced with mighty shouts 

And harpings, a new song was heard in Heaven — 

The Song of the Redeemed ! Wondering sat 

The spirit from He'l, and bent his listening ear 

To catch the notes, now dying faint away, 

Now svveeping full and clear adown the wind. 

Nor less the seraphic minions wondering heard 

The hallowed strain : they, ceasing from their flight, 

Lo(jked on each other with a vague surmise ; 

Then, circling in descent, their sparkling i^^X. 

Alighted on the crystal mountain tops. 

From thence benignly did they view the host 

Of human spirits, by the atoning blood 

Of Jesus sealed ; till their aspiring love 

Burned upward with such force that, drawn aloft. 

They spread their far-reaching wings and whirled away. 

Wrapt in ecstatic joy ! The envious eye 

Of Satan marked their flight : thence roving wide 



.>9 



BOOK 11. 

Beneath the throne, a sight sn])limc he met. 

Like some bright comet speeding on its way 
Through the eternal space, and shapes its path 
Among the crossing multitudes of stars — 
So now appeared, far on the outer verge 
Of Heaven's arch, Elijah's chariot 
And fiery steeds. The prophet on his car 
Triumphant sat, and by his eager side 
Adam, the first of humankind. A cloud 
Of cherubs flew before with trumpets raised, 
The vvhirlvvind followed gayly. Rumbling sounds 
Like distant thuuder jarred along the skies, 
As they with headlong fury swept away 
In quest of new-born w<jrlds. O boundless longinu 
Of the deep spirit to explore at will 
The never-ending realms I Infinity 
Alone will satisfy the human soul. 

From his exalted mountain seat once more 
The King of Darkness raised his eyes, and strove 
To pierce the blinding glory of that Orb 
Within whose burning center is ensphered 
The triple throne. Twice he essayed the task 
And failed ; the tnird time penetrated keen 



BOOK' II. 

Its awful depths — instantly withdrew his eyes I 

But in that glance he saw enough to shake 

His soul with terror — for lo I the second throne 

Was vacant of its Lord — a part of Godhead gone 

The sudden revelation so surprised 

The impure angel, that an icy shaft 

Of horror chilled his heart ; a heavy dread 

(3f coming wrath appalled him ; but he strove 

To roll the burden off by watching close 

The changing panorama spread below. 

As oft, before a tempest, Nature seems 
Uneasv, and her ocean- waters fret 
In choppy waves, impatient at the pause — 
So now the busy angel host appeared 
In expectation of some great event 
Just on the eve of happening. Two and fro 
In quick excitement glaced the twinkling spirits, 
Happy in their thoughts. This deep impressed 
The spirit from Hell ; and as with narrow eye 
He watched their evolutions, filled with doubt. 
Two angels from before the throne of God 
Descended to the Earth on rapid wing. 
Scarce had they disappeared, ere from a group 
Of seraphim that circled near the top 



BOOK II. 

Of a white peak, ruse one, a brighter spirit 
Thau were the rest, and neared the flashing Orb : 
Whom Satan recognized as Gabriel 
Less by his trumpet than his noble daring. 

As the gay skylark, of ambitious flight. 
In upw'ard springing, with excess of rapture 
Flutters and sings — so Gabriel, nearly lost 
To sight u'ithin the radiance of the Orb, 
Exulting, poured his song. With sudden wheel 
He dropped obliquely from that dizzy height, 
Earthward his graceful couEse. As by the verge 
Of Heaven he passed, a choral hymn arose 
From vast assembled voices, like the sound 
Of ocean when it thunders on the strand : 

" Alleluia ! worthy is the Lamb, 
That brought salvation to the Earth and dipped 
His vesture in blood, to come with Heaven's clouds 
And sit down at the right hand of our God 
In flames of glory!" 

Thus they their pcean sung : 
A better Christiad than the feeble voice 
From Earth can lift — and golden silence dawned : 
Whose daybreak to the sight of angels brought 



HOOK II. 47 

The- bright schechinah, like a pillar of cloud. 
Suddenly built between the Karth and f leaven — 
A royal stairway for the I'rince of Peace 
Returning to his Father! Never the sun 
Hroke through a storm-cloud to illume the Earth 
With such a smiling radiance, as that shaft 
Of sacred light, proceeding from the throne, 
Made all things with supernal glory shine. 

Expectancy in Satan rose so high, 
That, like a frail bark on the tempest- wave 
Exalted beyond itself, he, breathless, stood : 
Till from the deep abyss on hurried wing 
Rose Gabriel, and his lifted trumpet blew — 
The mighty blast echoed far o'er the plains 
Of Paradise, and every kingdom awed 
To silence in that holy clime. The songs 
Of Heaven ceased, all harjjs were cast aside, 
And the assembled millions reverent stood 
To witness Christ ascending from the Earth. 

The seven lamps that burn before the throne 
Now beamed with greater brightness, and the hue 
Of the white pillar of light grew more intense. 
Till through that shaft angelic eyes beheld 
The glorious vision of the Son of Man 
Coming with clouds, who in their rolling folds 
Rose, dreadfully serene, with upstxetched hands, 
And steadfast eyes fixed on the eternal throne. 



BOOK II. 49 

Oh 1 such uneartlily sweetness in that look 

Was manifest, such depth of love divine, 

The awful mystery of atoning grace, 

God reconciled to Man, and both at peace, 

The angels could no more endure the sight, 

But turned— and by their silence sliowed their love. 

When Christ had risen to the pillar's height. 
And entered the joy-irradiating Orb, 
Such glory from it flooded over Heaven, 
Innumerable white wings their pointed spires 
On high upreared : thus covering from the excess 
Of rapture visible, faces of wondrous light 1 . 
Seraph and cherub in prostrate attitude 
Fell forward on the jasper pave to worship 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, crying, 

" Alleluia 1 honor, and glory, and blessing, 
Be with our God, the Spirit, and the Lamb, 
Once dead, but now alive forevermore, 
Amen, and holds the keys of Hell and death." 

And again they said, "Alleluia !" As the deep 
Roars sublime, or dreadful voice of thunder, 
[arring the solid heavens on its way 
Far down the arch — so came the jubilee ; 
O'erflowing first the prophets, whelming all 



BOO A' II. 

The redeemed ot Christ, and ocean-like swept on. 
Till the far kingdoms of the starry plain 
Took up the song, and faintly vvafted back 
The sound of "Alleluia." Long that hymn 
Will be remembered, not by God alone 
And his resplendent myriads, but by Satan, 
The darkest mind in all the universe, 
Wlio on his mountain trembled at the strain. 

What then transpired in the bright flashing (Jrb 
No eye in Heaven beheld : communion sweet. 
Beyond all grasping of created mind, 
Doubtless the cause of the dilated Sphere. 

Awful seclusion of the adored Three ! 
Deliberate Trinity ■ can thought for Man 
Intrude to thy recess ? Yet from the Orb 
Came Jesus, in his countenance such beams 
Of holy love, as far transcends the power 
Of utterance. Most benignly he advanced 
Among the archangels, who, majestic poised 
Around his kingly presence, offered love 
And greetings manifold. With hastening steps 
He then descended to the blissful plains. 
And mingled with the j(jy-crowned human host. 

There Moses, in the solemn forms of Heaven. 
With all the angels round, gave up his charge. 



BOOK III. 

ARGUMENT. 

A trumpet giving: the signal, the angels gather about Messiah's 
chariot, and conduct him forth, on his way to prepare u 
place for his redeemed people. — They halt at the scene of 
Heaven's rebellion. — Christ destroys the throne of Satan, 
and converts the desolate battle-field into a beautiful 
garden. — The city of New Jerusalem rises therein, illu- 
minated by the Orb. — The angels enter its gates with 
great rejoicing. — Some of its beauties described. — The 
judgment-throne appears, with Christ glorified thereon, — 
The crowns for the saints are woven, the jewels placed 
within them, and put away till the resurrection morn : one 
fairer than the rest.— The departure from the city, whosi 
glories are guarded against evil spirits, and reserved till 
Christ shall have put all things under his feet. 



BOOK III. 

OoON from a lofty mountain peak was heard 
The sound of a great trumpet, and a voice 
Proclaimed in Heaven, saying, " Go ye forth. 
Armies and legions of the living God, 
Attendant on Immanuel ; for he builds 
A radiant City, where his saints, redeemed. 
May dwell with him and reign forevermore." 

No mortal tongue could number forth the powtr.< 
And kingdoms vast which, at the summons heard. 
Around the King of Glory drew with shouts 
That shook Heaven's base, and in procession bright 
Led fcjrth the great Redeemer. Calmly throned 
Within his blazing chariot, and robed 
With omnipotence, he moved in all his strength 
Majestic, to the sound of trumpets blown. 
And many voices glorifying God. 

Far on the right-hand verge of Heaven a plain 
Lay wild and desolate, where yet the marks 



BOOK III. 

Remained of that tremendous battle, fought 

When the defeated Angel and his host 

Were headlong hurled from Heaven. Golden whee],> 

Of chariots, broken spears, and armor crushed, 

Were scattered wide along the waste ; a throne 

Stood in the center, black and lightning-scarred. 

There Satan, in the pre-demonic age. 

Had swayed the scepter o'er a realm of spirits ; 

But since his fall was left for angel eyes 

To view, and learn discretion from the sight. 

The long procession, glittering, thither marched : 
But, ere they reached it. King Immanuel paused, 
His followers halting also to await 
His blest commands. Then from his chariot seat 
Slowly he rose : and, lifting up his eyes 
To the unclouded (^rb, these words benign 
Tronounced : 

" O Father I for this happy hour 
I thank thee, to whom praise is due ; thou knowest 
I have obeyed thee alway, and thy will 
Hath been my joy. Now glorify thy Son ; 
And let these spirits of our peaceful state 
Behold thy judgment on the works of Hell." 

At once a Voice came from the burning Orb : 
" Thou art my well-belovtd Son ; in thee 



57 



BOOK III. 59 

My wishes all I find fulfilled ; do thou 

As seeineth best, for thee have I sent fcnth." 

Then Jesus, turning to the concourse, spake 
With kindly voice, but full of warning grave : 
" Fear God, and give glory to him ; for, lo, 
The hour of his judgment is come. Your eyes 
Behold the desolation of the wicked ; 
But from henceforth no more shall Satan's throne 
Be seen among you. I am come to destroy 
His habitation, and in place thereof 
A City raise, where my exalted saints 
In one long reign of bliss with me shall dwell." 

He said ; and stretched on high his mighty arm. 
Dark clouds obeyed, and gathered o'er the plain 
Their massed blackness — from their bosom sent 
The triple dart, whose crimson terrors flying 
Against the throne, a crash was heard in Heaven. 
So hnid, it spread amazement through the host : 
And the vast fabric disappeared from sight 
In hideous confusion — so a ship 
Will founder in the night, when whirlwinds sweep 
The angry sea, and flash the blinding flames. 

Rushing at once came from the new-made void 
Volumes of pitchy smoke, as from a furnace. 
Extending far, and clothing all the sky 




Q^ 



BOOK III. f.r 

In somber pall. Around Messiah's car 

The angels gathered close : and, as thev stood 

O'ercome with awe, but mindful of his care 

And watchful goodness, high above their heads 

In the dark heaven appeared a Cross of blood ; 

And from its center shone a silver Star, 

Which, widening, dispersed a glory round ; 

And from the glory came a whiter shaft, 

Descending through the darkness. As it grew 

With fast increasing splendor o'er the void. 

Sweet sounds came from the Orb — as though the (rod 

Who music made, himself had touched the threads 

Of some unseen and never-dreampt-of harp. 

Tuned to high themes, and strangely all unlike 

Music of Earth, or Heaven, or march of worlds I 

....Fixed in deep muse, alone with his great thoughts. 

And hymning to himself their meanings dark, 

Which none, the highest in Heaven, were fit to share . 

While angels wondered, to that prelude soft 
An airy City, rising from the void. 
Unfolded all her beauty like a flower. 
And stood i-evealed. Whiter her palaces 
Than purest marble, and her twinkling domes 
More bright than sapphire of the rippled sea. 
Softly illuminated by her God, 
She needed not the light of sun or moon 
To shine upon her streets ; she sat the Queen 
Of Heaven, and New Jerusalem her name. 



BOOK in. 

Stretching for leagues around, the rolhng hills 
Of Heaven rose, their summits touched with silver ; 
Which Saint John seeing, thought a sea of glass. 

The waiting host, with sound of trumpets loud, 
Of cymbal and theorbo, forward wheeled 
Their winged steps before the imperial car. 
And, entering through the high-arched gates of peai 
Flew up the glittering streets. Admiring eyes 
They turned on all the beauties of the scene, 
For with no sparing hand had God disposed 
His new creations. Round the Tree of Life, 
Already blooming by the tranquil waters. 
Gathered the bannered millions ; and from thence 
Was offered up a solemn ode of praise 
Tu the Great Architect whose bounteous hand 
Had reared that lasting residence for Man. 
Dispersing then, each took his chosen path 
As fancy led, to inspect the glorious work ; 
And at each unexpected beauty paused 
In sweet surprise, and filled with happiest thought 

The Cross above the City, on whose breast 
The Star of David lay, had with its beams 
Dispersed the transient darkness, and now light 
Froi-n the great Orb of God fell clearly do^ 
Upon the recovered plain. The City lay 
Beneath its happy luster like a gem 



iwn 



BOOK HI. 

Sparkling intense, her myriad palaces 

And lofty domes reflecting back His ])eams. 

Serenely flowing, silent as a dream. 

Transpicuous and clear, the Stream of Life 

Wound through the City's midst and passed far rmt 

Atween the verdant slopes. Its bosom smooth, 

Unruffled as a mirror, caught the forms 

Of fairy images along its banks. 

And, softly inverted in the twilight tide. 

They viewed their loveliness. On either side 

The mystic River bloomed the Tree of Life ; 

Nor wanted aught of blossom or of leaf 

T(j magnify her beauty. Fair her fruit. 

Delightful to the taste, and, noble thought ! 

Her leaves were for the healing of the nations. 

Not here was room denied for spacious vales 

And solemn forest walks, amid whose aisles 

Was heard the music of the white cascade 

Soft-dashing o'er the steep ; and echoes strange 

From sylvan grottoes hung with mossy fern. 

At pleasing intervals a garden bright, 

Lucent with jewels, to the Earth-tired soul 

Whispered of Rest. The lily and white rose 

There twined in loving friendship, and all flowers 

Of spotless purity their incense gave 

To the delightful winds. Cool fountains poured 



BOOK' 111. 

Their lucid waters into crystal urns, 

So delicately broidercd that it seemed 

Their ruin e'en to touch them. Joyous birds 

From spray to spray, in innocence of mirth, 

Flew, busy with their sport ; or swayed aloft. 

And poured their glad notes on the vernal air. 

Immortal home ! yet these the least of all 

Its joys : for Fellowship is the soul of Heaven. 

The angels wandered through these blest retreats 
In admiration pure ; but when they reached 
The central Square, astonishment and awe 
Checked suddenly their steps : for now, behold I 
The impressive vision of a great white throne. 
Whose slender spires were in the cloudless arch 
Sublimely lost. Around it, all ablaze 
With apostolic symbols, and expressing 
The central fignre, though in less degree. 
Twelve thrones, for Israel's judges, proudly stood. 

After a thunder-storm, how oft we see. 
Clear-cut and sharp against a violet sky. 
Some great white mass of clouds, in dazzling light 
Unfold its beauties, till the musing mind 
Can fancy, that from plains of silver rise 
The minarets of oriental cities ; 
Or toppling mountains, half-way up whose heights 
Dissolving castles fade before the eye. 



BOOK III. 

So now appeared the vision of the throne, 
Amid whose clouds one like the Son of Man 
In peerless grandeur rose, his love-bright face 
Tempered by shadows, lest the beholding throng 
Should perish in his rising. From those clouds 
The voice of Jesus came in well-loved words : 

" Many of them that slumber in the dust 
Shall waken, some to everlasting life, 
Some to contempt and shame. They that be wise- 
Will shine as the brightness of the firmament, 
And they that turn many to righteousness. 
As the stars forever and ever." 

Then a spirit 
From underneath the throne uttered his voice. 
And summoned the angels to the pleasing task 
Of weaving crowns for the redeemed to wear. 
Gladly their toil began, and round them rose 
Crowns of pure gold, wrought in exquisite lines 
Of filigree, where oft the wearer's deeds 
In bright succession glowed ; or, lacking deeds. 
Compassion, quick to hide the fault, supplied 
Emblems of beauty, such as delicate flowers, 
Or trellised leaves, whose everlasting hues 
Outvied the rainbow's soon-dissolving tints — 
Such power of foresight on the angels came. 



BOOK III. 71 

While loving fingers twined the fadeless wreaths 
For poor earth-vveaiy heads, a hymn arose 
From choral voices, blended with soft strains 
Of heart-subduing music, pensive and low. 
As when from some cathedral, on a calm 
And moon-lit night, the solemn chant is heard 
Low-sung within it : if a door be opened, 
Sudden the swelling anthem gushes forth ; 
Then, as the portal closes, dies away 
In cadence faint — so from that sacred throng 
Came broken echoes of their melody 
Across the far-reaching gulf. The outcast King 
Heard on his mountain snatches of the song. 

(The various songs of Heaven discord none 
Can make, though all at once their mingled notes 
Ascend — so nicely doth each part accord 
\Vith other, and are interwoven all 
In one supernal, everlasting Hymn : 
As the four Vi^ices of the sweet quartet, 
Though diverse, fall harmonious on the ear.) 

Fast as the crowns were woven, they were brought 
And meekly laid at the Redeemer's feet ; 
For none but his nail-scarred hand might number fortl; 
The stars for each, and set them in their place. 
All-wise and all-foreseeing, he discerned 
The millions yet unborn, his dear-loved saints, 
Destined to wear those circlets ; and a smile 




■C>-c 



BOOK III. : 

Passed o'er his features when he drojjped a crown 
Well filled with gems : but oh 1 what looks of pity 
i\x\<S, tender sadness shaded o'er his face, 
NVhene'er a crown fell from his generous hand 
Without a single star to gild its front ! 

At last the work was finished ; and with shouts 
The crowns were gathered by unwearied hands 
Into God's treasury, there to await 
The final Day, and the last trumpet's sound ; 
But (jne was gathered fairer than the rest, 
A glorious wreath I and destined for that Head 
Which once, in love for Man, a diadem 
Endured of thorns. When the departing skies 
Shall roll together, and the great white throne 
Appear in Heaven, then his waking saints 
With cries of victory shall ascend on high 
To meet the Bridegroom ; crown him with that wreatl 
And, while the City flashes every gem, 
Rejoicing greatly, from his pierced hand 
Receive their own, and enter to the feast. 

Christ now descended to his car ; and all 
The elated millions following in bright train, 
Departed from the City. As they poured 
Out from her twelve-fold gates, a guard was left 
Within those shining portals, there to hinder 
ICntrance of evil spirits, till the end 
Of time, and resurrection of the dead. 



BOOK IV. 



ARGUMENT. 



utan discovers, at the left-hand of the Orb of God, a hike of 
tire and brimstone.— The Beast and the False Prophet are 
there foreshadowed : also the rejected Jews and heathen 
nations.- The phantom Serpent.— Satan, becoming alarmed 
at the scene, loses his seU-possession, and (iod decrees his 
fall from the Mount.- His second descension into Hell 
is witnessed by Heaven and Earth.-Michael, standin- 
on the Mount with his company, addresses the Deity in a 
psahn of praise. 



BOOK IV. 

O ATAN from liis exalted mountain seat 

Beheld these glories at the right-hand of (rod 
In high absorbent mood ; he scarce relaxed 
The steadfast vigil, till by saddened thoughts 
His eyes were turned away. But by that chance 
(Or providence, for God doth govern all). 
His vision swept the left-hand of the Orb, 
Where a great horror of darkness met his view. 

A sable cloud above that region hung, 
The pall of a dead world, whose solemn folds 
Were whirled about by the careering winds 
In dreadful warfare. 'Neath the sable cloud 
Uneasy rolled a lake of fire, whose waves 
Reached up and lapped the frowning sky. Benciitli 
The red lake's broken foam, the shadowy round 
Of a great valley stretched ; and Satan's eye, 
Keen-searching far within its crimson depths. 
Discovered, that along those buried plains 
Dim cities lay, their minarets and towers 
Swept over by the leaping spray of fire. 



BOO A' III. 7 

As yet no evil spirit liacl set his foot 
In that dark world ; it stood in readiness 
For the lasL trumpet's all-awakening sound, 
Calling Life and Death before the judgment-throne. 

The wide-extended regions of the north 
Were covered by the Beast whose clammy wings 
Dripped with the blood of saints. Cathedrals rose 
Within a skeleton Rome : and from their spires 
vShone forth the sacred cross — as if to mock 
The vanity of ceremonial rite 
And pageant gay, where Mercy's pleading voice 
Is drowned in her own blood. The loathesome Beast 
Encircled with his tented wings all souls 
Whose hope of Heaven rested on their works 
Or empty forms. 

The False Prophet on the east 
His seat of empire held, where his proud mosques 
And minarets, in oriental pomp, 
Obscurely rose. He, like the Beast, had dipped 
His sword in blood : and now forever here 
Mahomet and his dusky followers 
Must battle without hope the quenchless fires. 



BOOK IV. 8 1 

In the far south the camp of Israel spread, , 

Their naked and forsaken tents deprived 

Of the bright hallowed cloud which led them forth. 

In days of old, from the Egyptian's land. 

A lofty temple from a city rose, 

No more illuminated by the light 

Of God's own presence, but instead thereof 

Was hung with whirling pillars of smoke, and fire. 

The burning plains and cities of the west 
Were portioned to the heathen gods, and all 
Who oil the Earth despised religion's cause. 
Great Babylon the fallen there displayed 
Her hideous idols ; and the gods of Greece 
Were brought to oj^en shame. Dark Mexicj — 
Not the least lightened of the misled host — 
Reared uj) her ugly deities, and strove 
With foolish vanities of every age 
And nation, for the prize of cruelty. 
The devils that deceived them also shared 
A place of habitation in their midst ; 
But nevermore to work deception, bound 
In chains of torment lasting as their death. 
The quaint pagodas of the Budhist tribes 
Rose from a thousand cities ; and the sparks 
Of the loud-roaring lake passed over them, 



/u)OA' /r. 

As when the angry billows of the sea 

Dash up against a lighthouse tall and break 

In spray aliove its top. Each temple's roof 

Was hung with bells ; and they in discord strange. 

Rung by the wind, sounded their dread alarms 

Over the storm-swept waste. Ring on, wild bells 1 

Your vain, inghjrious notes will ne'er be heard 

Save by the spirits lost. Ye are to them 

A solemn knell of death ; but never tones 

Like those will reach the City blest of God. 

These four divisions of the fallen host 
Formed an enormous square ; and from its depth 
The monster phantom of a Serpent rose, 
Whose head majestic moved near the dark cloud, 
7\nd whose keen -searching eye, full of unrest, 
Found in that valley accurst no spot of peace. 
His writhing coil attested endless pain 
Cast on him from the lake — such place ordained 
Eternal Justice as his prison dire. 

Above the Serpent's head, with voice of thunder. 
The sharp and glittering bayonets of the storm 
Pierced the black-pillared clouds, and on their front 
In forked letters wove the terrible word 
Perdition. High in heaven it flamed, a sign 
Of second death, and God's insulted law. 



^-^- 




>-c 



BOOK IV. 8; 

When Satan from his eminence l^eheld 
This solemn scene, the consciousness of sin 
And dread of coming judgment on his deeds 
Rose up before him, Hke a tempest-cloud 
Rushing above the sun and darkening all 
Beneath it. Such a load of dull despair 
Pressed on his soul, as would have crushed him quite. 
Had he not sunnnoned all his courage firm 
To withstand the growing weight. But, ah, how we;!k 
Is spirit when at enmity with God ! 
With all his strength he opposed the mightier Will 
Which now decreed his fall ; until at last 
The weight of condemnation on him pressed 
With such enormous power, he yielded up 
liis strength to Heaven, and gave a piercing cry 
Of such unearthly bitterness, it rent , 
The sacred air and dazed angelic choirs. 
Perdition started back, and all her deeps 
Echoed his wail of " Lost, forever lost ! " 

The King of Darkness toppling from the Mount 
All Heaven beheld ; and as with frightful speed 
He'shot headlong far down the dread abyss. 
The flaming bolts of wrath hurled after him 
Played fast their lightnings round, and hurried on 



/iooA' /r. 87 

His swift descent to Hell. The nations saw 
His fall precipitate from the far Earth, 
Conjecturing wide ; and with a guilty fear 
The dwellers in Jerusalem, at night, 
Beheld him as a comet stretched across 
The western sky. Judea as a leaf 
Trembled at naught, and started at the least 
Faint whisper. In their superstitious dread 
They heard already in the mountain tops 
'I'he rush of many chariots ; trumpets blown 
On all sides of their cities, threatening war ; 
And, looking in each other's faces, read : 
" His blood is on us, and our seed, for aye.'" 

The vanquished Monarch crashing into Hell 
Frightened that drear abode ; the dark angels fled 
In diverse rout, expectant of more doom 
(For Christ, ere he ascended, swept through Hell. 
Led Death in chains, and laid their City waste) : 
But tliat unerring Providence, which rules 
Mysterious to our judgment, suffered not 
The utter destruction of our greatest foe. 
The Stygian lake received him with a hiss, 
Where, stunned and motionless, l)ut not extinct. 
He for a time was doomed to lie. .Vll Hell 
Was horribly confounded, and no sound 
Was heard through all the chambers of the deep. 



BOOK IV. 89 

At once the warrior-angel Michael 
Stood on Mount Sion with his company, 
And to the symphony of their kindling harps 
Exclaimed with loud voice : 

" How awful are thy judgments. 
Lord God Almighty 1 Thou that sittest throned, 
And wrapped about with clouds that veil thy face, 
Lest by its full light we perish ! Worlds upon world- 
Like silver balls roll from thine outstretched palm 
Into the boundless deep ; and thou dost mark 
Them in their flight tremendous : and thine ear 
Is bent, well pleased, and listens to their song. 
Thou hearest the hum of voices and the march 
Of growing millions on the wheeling spheres ; 
Thou seest nations rise and fall and rise 
In fast increasing power on the Earth : 
Where still the clash and din of horrid war 
Resounds— the war of Good against the Evil ; 
The Good, how small an army ! and how vast 
The legions of Apostasy ! But thou, 
Unmoved upon thy bow-encircled throne, 
Look'st down with dreadful calmness on the scene. 
Expecting 1 As the ages roll away, 
And justice, lingering, holds aloft her blade. 
The swarms of Hell, grown bold and reckless, draw 



BOOK IV. «;i 

Yet nearer thy throne, and hiss defiant threats, 
Daring thy wrath I Simply the veil withdrawn 
That shades thy face, the blind-struck demons ticc 
In precipitate confusion and dismay. 
High above all, unsearchable and dark, 
The great eternal Purpo.se marches on 
To victory, amid angelic songs." 



NOTE. 

As the Ivric poems of the author (which were recited 
>n several occasions) have been asked for in book form. 
»ne of them will soon be published. 



THE NEW CHRISTIAD. 

Price $i.oo. 

Will be mailed post-paid to any address on receipt ot 
the above amount. Booksellers may obtain opies and 
terms by addressing 

I. B. COWDIN. 

1 6 THIRD STREET, 

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. 
Eastern District. 



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